Les roches du Saut-Roland

Luitré-Dompierre (Dompierre-du-Chemin)

The Saut-Roland is a ridge of quartzite cut through by a stream, in the Breton Marches between Fougères and Vitré. Two great blocks face each other across the wooded valley, and gave the place its name. Tradition attributes the cause to Roland, nephew of Charlemagne and prefect of the Breton March, who is said to have tried to clear the ravine on horseback. The first leap, dedicated to God, succeeded; the second, dedicated to the Virgin, likewise; the third, which he dedicated to his lady, hurled him with his mount to the bottom of the gorge. The print of a horseshoe is still pointed out on the rock, along with a spring that seeps without cease, "la pierre dégouttante", the dripping stone, which legend says is the inconsolable tears of the lady. The site was long a quarry: some hundred and fifty years ago quartzite was still being extracted here to metal the roads. Now classified as a sensitive natural area, it combines rocky chaos, hillside forest and wet meadows, and shelters abundant wildlife — a setting that has remained worthy of its legend.

Office de tourisme Destination Fougères — Le Saut Roland, entre légendes et évasion ↗

Getting there : 11 km south of Fougères, by the D78; car park laid out at the entrance to the site, from which the yellow-waymarked path starts. Discovery loop of around 45 minutes, or a longer 7 km circuit; rough ground, roots and rocks, not recommended for pushchairs and not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Sensitive natural area managed by the Département of Ille-et-Vilaine, free access; an equipped climbing area is reserved for self-sufficient climbers. The coordinates correspond to the starting car park; the rocks are a few minutes' walk away.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound